Lot 1458: Colt Model 1905 Military Semi-Automatic Pistol

Manufactured in 1906, this is one of only 6,210 Colt "Military Model of 1905" pistols manufactured over a period of six years. These pistols are a very important evolutionary step in the development of Colt automatic pistols and the Model 1911 as they were the first production Colt automatic chambered for the legendary .45 ACP cartridge. The left side of the slide is marked with the two-line two-block patent dates and address, with the circled Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The right side of the slide is marked "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 45 RIMLESS SMOKELESS". The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number and the left of the trigger guard has a "VP" proof and "W". It has rounded blade front and rounded top notch rear sights, a lanyard ring at the rear of the butt, and a checkered spur hammer which became standard around serial number 3600, bringing the commercial Model 1905's in line with the 1907 government contract pistols. It is fitted with a pair of diamond pattern checkered grips and an unmarked full blue magazine. Provenance: The Gus Cargile Collection

Fine, retains 50% of the bright original high polish blue finish, 30% of the original case colors on the hammer, and 30% of the original nitre blue, with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina, primarily on high spots, and a few patches of scattered light pitting, mostly on the left of the slide. The grips are very good with some scattered minor dings and scratches, and a few minor flat spots in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.